Different Types of Steel Beam

 Introduction

In the article we are discussing the different types of steel beam used in construction. Any building or structure like bridges and so many, steel beams are the essential component or element used.  They are available in different shapes and sizes. According to our requirement or suitability we can use them. Every steel beam provides unique properties, which gives proper and exact the level of support for the type of construction.

Types of Steel Beam

The steel beams are used to carry the loads from structure to the adjoining supports. The steel beams are really essential and important for the construction of any building or structure like bridges, skyscrapers, etc. They are available in various shapes and sizes.  According to their suitability and beneficial we can use the correct one for our construction.

Each and Every different steel beam offers unique properties, which fulfill the exact requirement of support of the any type of construction.

Following are the types of steel beam according to their shapes.

1.      I- Beam

2.      W-Beam

3.      S Section Beam

4.      Tee Beam

5.      Channels (C- Shaped)

6.      Angles (L- Shaped)

7.      Hollow Structural Section (HSS) 

1.      I- Beam

·     I beam identify as H beam or universal beam. It contains two horizontal elements called as flanges and one vertical element which know as web.

·    The web is able to resisting shear forces and the horizontal flanges resist most of the beam’s bending movement.

·    I beam mostly used in construction industry with its various sizes.

 

 

2.      W-Beam

·  W- Beam is similar to I beam; they are mostly used in residential construction.

·  It is also called as wide flange beams.

 

3.      S Section Beam

·   S beam is the American standard beam, which has a rolled section with two parallel flanges which all are connected by a web.

·   Flanges are relatively narrow in S- shaped beams.

4.      Tee Beam

·  Tee beam or T beam has T shaped which get by cutting steel beam longitudinally through their webs, ensuing in a single full flange and a half-deep web.

 

5.      Channels (C- Shaped)

·  C channel or C beam has a c-shaped cross-section, which has single web flanked by upper and lower flanges.

·   Channels consist of top and bottom flanges which are connected by web.

·   They are more suitable for short to medium span structures for their cost-effectiveness.

·   They are not as strong as other types of beam; therefore they are suitable for supporting lighter loads.

 

6.      Angles (L- Shaped)

·  Angle beam are L shaped section which having equal or unequal legs that come together at  90⁰ angle.

·   They are used in floor system to reduce structural depth.

 

7.      Hollow Structural Section (HSS)

·   HSS is a hollow, turbulence cross-sectional metal profile. They can be square, rectangular, elliptical or circular in section.

·   Rectangular and circular sections of HSS are more efficient in terms of local failures. The rectangular hollow section is more resistant to the local buckling.

·   They are mostly used in trusses, etc.